After two years of construction and many more years of discussion, MAX is ready for Fort Collins.

But is Fort Collins ready for MAX? We'll find out Saturday when the bus rapid transit system begins service.

After a day off – there's no Sunday service for the time being – service begins in earnest Monday.

Here's what you need to know about MAX:

So … what is it, again?

MAX is a bus rapid transit system similar to light rail but on rubber wheels. It is designed to connect the southern part of the city to downtown along the "spine" of Fort Collins west of College Avenue and parallel to the BNSF Railway tracks.

It will serve key destinations such as Old Town, Colorado State University main campus, the CSU veterinary hospital, Midtown and Foothills Mall, and the new South Transit Center.

MAX is the largest public infrastructure project in Fort Collins history. It also is the first bus rapid transit system in Colorado.

Yes: Each MAX bus has racks for three bikes. More bikes will be allowed on at the driver's discretion.

How much did the MAX system cost?

About $86.8 million with the majority of funds coming from the Federal Transit Administration. Local funding partners were the Colorado Department of Transportation, CSU, the Downtown Development Authority, and city of Fort Collins.

Myriad activities are planned Saturday to launch MAX bus rapid-transit service in Fort Collins. Here's what you need to know about first-day festivities:

• When it starts: Federal, state and city dignitaries will cut a ceremonial ribbon at 10 a.m., at the newly constructed South Transit Center, 4915 Fossil Blvd. The first northbound bus will leave the center at 11 a.m., with the first southbound bus departing the Downtown Transit Center at 11:10 a.m.

• What it costs: Celebratory events are free to attend, and MAX will be free to ride until Aug. 24. All Transfort routes will be free to ride on Saturday. After Aug. 24, regular Tranfort rates will apply to MAX service: $1.25 for adults, 60 cents for seniors, free for Colorado State University students and those younger than 18.

• How to get there: While city officials encourage the public to walk, bicycle or take Transfort to MAX, there's still room for motorists to take part. Park-and-ride lots dot the MAX route. Transfort shuttle service will be provided from 9:30-11 a.m. from the Mall Transfer Point on Stanford Road to the South Transit Center. Bicycle racks are available at every station.

• Station parties: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., both transit centers and the 12 MAX stations will play host to a variety show of entertainment and giveaways. The city plans six larger station parties and eight welcome stations, with ambassadors located along the route to answer questions and direct people to additional parties.

• People can pick up a "MAX Premiere Passport" and have it stamped at each station to be eligible to win a prize and receive a gift at either transit center. Those who download the Ride Transfort mobile app to a Transfort ambassador at either transit center will also receive a gift.